Windshield wiper



H. HARVEY ET AL WINDSHIELD WIPER Dec. 8, 1936.

Filed June 5, 1954 Das. im

UNITED sm-'rss IJA-l-Eivr- I vwnmsnlrzm e Hcrbert'llarvey' 'and Samuelvllhlis, Los Angeles,

-C'llib lllitnor's to Leo Application .im 5, 1934, .sqm-Na 729.0-

' 4' Cm (ci. 15-245) This invention relates to a wiper for cleaning moisture, etc., from windows, windshields, and the like.- A general object of this invention is to providean improved inexpensive and particularly emcient wiper for cleaning windshields and the'like.y l y The windshield vcleaners employed on automobiles and other vehicles usually embody one or more wipers movable across the surface of the windshield to remove the moisture therefrom and thus provide a clear, unobstructed field of vision .for the driver and other occupants of the vehicle. "The wipers now in common use usually consist of a strip o1' rubber clamped between the flanges of a metal backing or a laminated assembly o f a plurality of such rubber strips clamped between the flanges of a metal backing. The rubber stripor strips project from the metal backing to engage the surface oi? the windshield and as the wiper is moved back and forth across the windshield the rubber strip or strips flex in one direction and then the other. The iiexure of the rubber strip or strips occurs almost entirely along the line where they leave the metal backing and the alternate flexing in opposite directions along this single line of exure soon weakens the strips, reduces their resiliency and ultimately results in their failure.

An object of this invention 'is to provide a wiper for cleaning or removing moisture, etc., from windshlelds and the like that embodies a flexible element for engaging the surface to be cleaned that flexes at different points or zones as the wiper is moved back and forth across the surface, so that it is long wearing and particularly eillcient in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wiper of the character mentioned that has a. chamber or air space Within the flexible wiping element that allows the element to automatically conform to irregularities on the surface being cleaned and allows the element to move over the surface smoothly and evenly without chattering.

Another object of the invention is to provide a wiper for use on a windshield cleaner or the like that embodies a single one-piece or integral flexible wiping element that will not separate or become distorted or misshapen.

Another object of the inventionis to provide a. wiper of the character mentioned including a exible wiping element that is substantially U-shaped or channel shaped in cross section having spaced side parts gripped by a metal backing to flex independently during the operation of the wiper, the closed end or side of the exible element.

element .whichinzags 'the te te' cleaned being spaced from .the Ainterrreefne'xins or the nal space Another object of the invention- .toprovide'- a wiper of the oharacterm'etioned'in which the ilexiblewiping v'ele'nient -isfformed and arf# ranged to prevent contact of the metal backing with lthe surface. being-wiped. I

vA further object of-'the' invention is -to provide, a wiper of the character described that is very; simple and inexpensive ofmanufacture. Other objects and featuresoffethe invention will be better and morefully understood from the following detailed descriptionof Atypical forms and applications of they invention,V throughout which description reference maybe had to theV accompanying drawing, inwhichz)` Fig. 1 is a side elevation offone form Aofwiper provided by the present invention showing it in operating position on a surface to be cleaned.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view similar to- Fig. 2l showing the wiper moving in the opposite direction. Fig. 4 is a transverse detailedsectional view of the wiper shown in Figs. l'to 3.apart or disengaged from the surface. Fig. 5 is a transverse detailed sectional view of another form of the invention. Fig. 6 is a transverse detailed .sectional view of the wiper illustrated in Fig. 5 showing it in operative position on a surface. Fig. 7- is a transverse detailed sectional view of 'still another formv of the invention and Fig. 8 lis a transverse detailed sectional view of the wiper illustrated in Fig. 'l showing it in operative. position.

'Ihe form of the invention illustrated in Figs.v` 1 to 4, inclusive, ofthe drawing fincludes, generally, a backing or holder'flllfadapted to be carried by the arm II of a windshield'. cleaner, andl a flexible element I2 vonathe f backing or holder--v I0 for engaging the surfacefS to clean the same.-

The backing or holder,4 Illr provided to carry or support the flexible element- I2 for movement across the surface S. *The holder-iin is substantially rigid being formedv` ofjmeta'l or the like.l

In Practice the holder IUmaybe-fformed of sheetmetal or the like. The holderngl` is of peculiar anges I4 preferably extend throughoutthe en-v tire length of the holder.j .ff1'he sides I5 of the tongue I3 are preferablyfiat ."Whilefthe forward endof the tongue is'round or provided with rounded corner portions where it joins the sides I5. In the construction illustrated in the drawing the sides II of the'tongue diverge forwardly s or toward the surface S. The flanges Il are provided to grip the flexible element I2 and clamp its side parts against the sides of the tongue I2. The major portions of the flanges Il are preferably substantially parallel with the sides I! lo of the tongue. The portions of the holder I3 where the anges Il `ioin the tongue Il are preferably rounded outwardly to leave enlarged spaces I6. In accordance with the invention the flanges Il terminate l5 the forward or outer end of the tongue I2, that is the tongue I3 projects forwardly beyond the flanges I4. outwardly turned beads or lips I1 are provided on the edges of the flanges Il.. The backing or holder Il just described may be a 20; one piece or integral member and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Means is provided for connecting the holder III to the moving arm II of the cleaner. In accordance with the broaderaspects of the invention 2li7 any suitable or typical -means may be provided "for this purpose. In the particular case illustrated in the drawing a channeled or yoke-like member I8 is provided on the end of the arm I I. The member I8 .is loosely pivotally connected to 30 the holder at a point equally spaced between its ends. The connection-of the member Il with the wiper is such that the wiper has limited lateral Vplay relative to the arm II and is free to tilt or rock to an inclined position at the start 35 of each movement or stroke of the arm. 'I'he arm II is yieldingly urged toward the surface S in the well-known manner so that the wiping element I2 has proper engagement with the surface.

The flexible wiping element I2 is carried by 40 the holder III to project beyond the forward side of the tongue I3 and have sliding or wiping engagement with the surface S. The element I2 is formed of rubber or rubber composition and it is a feature of the invention that the element is a 45 single continuous `or integral part. In accordance with the invention the `element I2 is substantially U-shaped or channel-shaped in transverse cross section having spaced side parts 20 and a connecting part or outer part 2 I. The wip- 50 ing element I2 may-be formed or shaped from a flat blank. However, itis preferred to mold it to initially be of substantially U-shaped cross-section. 'Ihe spaced side parts 2li of the element I2 are gripped or clamped between the flanges Il 55 and the sides I5 of the tongue. The inner surfaces of the side parts 2l which are Apreferably flat are adapted to lie flat against the opposite sides of the tongue I3 as illustrated'in Fig. 4 of the drawing. 'Ihe side parts 2l of the memao ber I2 are securely gripped and held between the flanges I4 and the tongue Il but are not gripped so tightly that the element is excessively distorted. Rounded enlargements or beads 22 extend along the longitudinal edges of the side parts 20 and are 55 received in the enlarged spaces I8 to further lock the element to the holder I0.

It is an important feature of the invention that the flexible element I2 is proportioned to project a substantial distance beyond the forward or 70 outer end of the tongue I2 and thus leave a space or chamber C in the wiper. The opening Vor space C permits the free flexing of the element I2 and allows the element to adapt itself to varipositions and movements during operation 75 of the wiper. In the particular form of the insubstantial distances from vention being described the outer'portion 2i of -the element I2 presents a substantially cylindrically curved external surface 22. The divergence of the side parts 20 gripped by the holder, as described above, aids in giving the portion 2i its curved surface 22. It is to be particularly noted that the wiping element I2 completely covers or encases the forward end of the tongue which projects beyond the flanges Il and. therefore, positively prevents contact of the flanges with the windshield or surface S. In the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. l to 4 of the drawing the wiping surface 22 is plain and smooth and is without ribs or fins. The contact of the surface 2l with the surface S of course distorts the free or projecting portion of the element I2 to some extent, and the degree or extent of this distortion depends upon the pressure exerted on the arm II and the character of the surface S being cleaned.

1n the operation of the form of wiper illustrated in Figs. l to 4, inclusive, of the drawing,

the wiper is alternately moved in opposite directions by the arm I and, as previously described, is free to tilt to angular positions such as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 during these movements. The' surface 23 of the flexible element I2 slidably engages or bears on the surface S to effectivelywipe the surface S and remove moisture, etc., therefrom. During its movement across the surface S the advancing or leading side 2II of the flexible element bears against and is supported by the leading side I5 of the tongue at the forward extremity of the tongue. From this point to the point of contact of the surface 23 with the surface S the leading side of the element I2 is bent or exed to have a slow or gradual curve vsuch as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing. The trailing side of the element I2 is free to flex or bend outwardly away from the trailing side I5 of the tongue from a point or line opposite the edge of the trailing flange Il. The trailing side 20 of the flexible element I2 curves or inclines rearwardly relative to the direction of movement until it joins the portion 2I at a comparatively sharp curve. The arrows in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing indicate the direction of movement of the wiper across the surface S. l'I'he exing of the element I2 during its operation will be clearly understood from an inspection of these figures of the drawing.

The surface 23 may have extensive engagement with the surface S. However, the extent of this engagement depends upon the pressure placed on the wiper. The chamber or space C within the flexible element I2 allows the element to freely assume the different positions during the movement of the wiper and renders the active or surface engaging portion 2l particularly flexible, whereby it may readily conform to any irregularities that may be present in the surface S. It is to be particularly noted that the flexible element I2 bends or flexes at different points as the wiper is moved in opposite directions. As described above and clearly illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing, the leading side of the element I2 relative to the direction of movement is curved from a point adjacent the forward end of the tongue Il to the leading line of contact of the surface 23 with the surface S. This curvature may besubstantially uniform or symmetrical somewhat as illustrated. Ihe trailing side 20 of the element I2 is free to flex away from the tongue I3 at thededge of the trailing flange Il which is spaced some distance rearwardly from the forward end of the tongue. This dexing of trailing side of thel element |2 is usually-lnore gradual than that of the leading side and does not occur in the same part of theelement. vDue to `this action or flexing of the element vI2 during operation it is not subjected to excessive wear or flexing in any particular place or places, but is subjected to well distributed ilexure.

The form of the invention illustrated in Figs..

part 2H of the flexible wiping element is pro-v vided with a central longitudinal'rib or nn 30.

The fln '30 is provided to have trailing wiping engagement with the `*surface S as the'wiper isoperated across the surface. .The fln 30 may be integral with the flexible element i2l as illusitrated in the drawing. The base portion of the 'fin 00 may have parallel sides while the outer portion of the iin preferably has divergent-faces 3| meeting at an edge. l

During the operation of the wiper illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawing the forward or leading side of the flexible element |2 bears against the leading side of the tongue I3* and then curves rearwardly and toward the surface S. 'I'he curved outer surface 23* of theportion 2|* has wiping engagement with the surfaceS and the portion 2|l slopes or inclines outwardly and rearwardly from the zone of this engagement. 'I'he fin 30 projects rearwardly from this inclined part to have one of its convergent faces 3| slidably engage thev surface S. The engagement of the n 30 with the surface S provides or leaves a recess or channel X between the finv and the portion 2|* engaging the surface. This recess or channel X is adapted to receive and trap moisture from the surface S and, of course, is open at the opposite ends of the wiper for the free discharge of this fluid. Upon the wiper being operated in the direction opposite to that illustrated in Fig. 6 the flexible element |2L is bent or flexed in a reverse manner. The flexible element I2 has spaced wiping engagement with the surface S and is, therefore, particularly eilicient in wiping or cleaning the surface. The element i2* is long wearing as its parts are flexed at different points or zones during the alternate movements of the wiper in the same manner as the element i2..

Fig. 7 and 8 of the drawing illustrates a form of the invention involving a holder I0b and a flexible wiping element |2b. The holder |01 may be identical with the holder |0. 'I'he flexible wiping element |2b is substantially U-shaped in transverse cross section including spaced side parts 20b and a connecting part 2lb. The element |2h is preferably an integral member and is moulded or shaped for arrangement on the holder I0". The side parts 20b are gripped or held between the flanges Mb and the sides of the tongue |31. The side parts 20b project outwardly from the forward end of the tongue and their projecting portions are initially substantially parallel. The connecting part 2|b forms a web or bridge connecting the side parts 20h and may initially be normal to the side parts as illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawing. The side parts 20b have extensions or continua# tions projecting beyond the connecting part 2|b forming spaced ribs or fins 30h. 'I'he :dns 30b have the Ditclnad linclined outer-nxrfacesIfwhich Ijoin The flexible element l2 the inner-,sides of the ilns at comparatively sharp edges. The surfaces I2- are adaptedto slidably engage or wipe the surface S as the wiper-is operated across the surface..v

When the wiper illustrated in Figs.v 7 and 8 of vthe drawing is moved across the surfacel S the leading side 20h of the wiping element bears against the leading side of the tongue IIb and its .projecting portion is flexed rearwardly and toward the surface S. Due to this rearward ilex' ing of theleading side 20b the surface 32 of the leading fin 30h may have effective wiping engagement with the surface S. The trailing side 20 of the wiping elementflexes or curves rearwardly and outwardly away from the tongue I3. The portion 2lb which connects the two side parts causes the trailing side part to becurvedv or rounded outwardly and rearwardly, as illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawing. This flexing ofthe rear or trailing side disengage the trailing 1in 32 -from'the surface S. 'I'he edge portion of thetrailing n32 has wiping contact with the surface S and the spaced surface engaging fins 30b provide a recess or .channel Y between them for trapping or carrying liquid from the surface S. :The simple one piece wiping element |2b illustratedin Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawing is particularly efficient in wiping the surface' S and is long wearing.

. Having described only typical forms and applications of our invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms and applications herein set forth, lbut wish to reserve to ourselves anyv modifications or variations that may appear to v those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention, we claim:

1. A windshield wiper including an. elongate substantially rigid holder comprising side flanges and a longitudinal tongue projecting forwardly lfrom between the anges' and having forwardly diverging sides, and a wiping element of rubber comprising longitudinal side parts clampedV between the flanges and both sides of the tongue and projecting forwardly from the tongue, and a. part connecting said side parts and adapted to have wiping Contactl with the surface to be wiped, the

last namedpart being spaced from the tongue toA iprovide an opening in the element which allows the free flexing of its said parts.

2. A windshield wiper including a holder comprising a substantially channel shaped tongue having forwardly diverging sides, and longitudinal flanges projecting outwardly along the rear edges of the tongue and then forwardly to provide channels at the opposite sides of the tongue, and a exible wiping element comprising side parts received in the channels and clamped against the tongue by the flanges, beads on the rear edges of the side parts clamped in the channels to retain the sideparts therein, and an outer part connecting the side parts at a point spaced'forwardly from the'tongue and adapted to engage the windshield.

3. A windshield wiper including a. holder comprising a substantially channel shaped tongue having forwardly diverging sides, and longitudinal anges projecting outwardly along the rear edges of the tongue and then forwardly in substantial parallelism to said sides to provide channels at the opposite sides of the tongue, and a flexible wiping element comprising side parts received in the channels and clamped against the tongue by the anges, the forward edges of the 20"l is vnot sufficient, however, to

provide channels at the opposite sides c! the tongue. and a ilexible wiping element o! substantially U-shaped cross section having its side parti clamped in said channels between the sides o! the tongue and the flanges, and having' its outer part which connects the side parts spaced torwardly from the tongue to engage the windshield.

HERBERT HARVEY. SAMUEL MALIS. 

